by Rose Pressey
“Are you crazy?” she asked with a squeaky voice.
Not only did it seem she was trying to disguise her appearance, it also seemed as if she was trying to change her voice.
I frowned. “No, I am not.”
She glanced in her rear-view mirror. “We weren’t watching you,” she said.
Okay, she was the crazy one if she thought I was believing her lie.
“I saw you all watching me and it’s not the first time I have seen this man.” I glared at her to send a warning that I meant business.
The blonde in disguise looked me up and down for a second, then pushed the button making the window go up. She turned the key and started the car. It was a good thing my feet weren’t too close because she sped out of the parking space with no regard for my safety. I watched as she pulled out onto the street. So much for answering my question. I peered around, but didn’t see the man, although it did feel as if someone was watching me. I rushed back into the restaurant. I knew that Courtney would be panicking by now.
Chapter 13
Once back inside the restaurant, I spotted Anthony headed toward our table. I knew that it was time. He approached Courtney and placed the check on the table. I rushed over just in time before he left.
“Can I get you anything else?” he asked.
Now was the time. I couldn’t put it off any longer. “There was just one thing,” I said.
He smiled. “Sure, what is it?”
He might not be smiling when I asked him such a personal question. “You’re not working at the voodoo tour any longer? Do you have any information that might help in the investigation of Tim Swanson’s murder?” I thought my questions were pretty good considering I had been nervous to ask.
He looked at me and then to Courtney. “Tim Swanson’s dead?”
I didn’t believe the pretend shock in his voice. “I’m sorry, you didn’t know?” I asked.
He shifted from one foot to the other. “I had no idea. That is terrible. Were you friends?”
I focused my attention on his face. “I’m friends with his wife Haley.”
I was sure his eye twitched when I spoke her name. “I stopped working there so I had no idea what happened.”
“Why did you quit working there?” I asked.
He narrowed his eyes. “If you must know, it was because Tim owed me money and I got tired of waiting for it. I didn’t want to continue to work for him if he owed me money.”
I studied his face to look for any signs of deception.
He glanced over his shoulder when someone called out to him. “Anyway, I need to go. Is there anything else?”
I knew he wouldn’t answer any more questions, so I figured I wouldn’t even try.
“Thanks for everything,” I said as I grabbed the check and stood.
He paused for a second and then walked away.
“That was interesting,” Courtney said as we walked toward the front of the building.
“It means that he had a motive for murder,” I whispered.
When I glanced to my right, I spotted Anthony watching us. His stare was giving me the creeps so I was happy to get out of there. I was just glad that I had waited until after we ate before I asked the questions.
When I got in the car, I decided to give Haley a call. Courtney pulled out of the parking lot and I dialed Haley’s number. I glanced back at the parking lot and spotted Anthony at the front door watching us as we drove away. Haley picked up after a couple rings.
“This is Chase Charley.” I suddenly had a flash that all of this was a big joke and she’d act as if she didn’t know who I was. Thank goodness she didn’t.
“I’m glad you called,” she said. “Did you find out anything?”
“We talked with a former employee of yours,” I said.
“Really?” she asked with shock in her voice. “Who? Wait, don’t tell me. Anthony Knight?”
I slipped into the car and buckled my seatbelt. “I take it he didn’t leave on good terms.”
Based on the conversation I’d just had with him, I already knew the answer, but I wanted to hear her side of the story.
She sighed and then said, “No, he didn’t. He’s not a very nice person.”
“He said your husband owed him money.”
She scoffed. “That’s not true. He was trying to take money from my husband and when Tim wouldn’t give it to him he was furious.”
“Do you think he would have killed your husband?”
“I think he is capable of it,” she said.
“I’m still looking into this, but if you could give me more information that would really help,” I said.
“I’m sorry. I just haven’t been thinking clearly since this happened.”
“That’s understandable. I’ll let you know if I find out anything else.”
“Thanks again for helping me. Just try to hurry because I don’t feel safe.”
“I’ll try,” I said.
Again, I wondered if my life was in danger too. Since I had no idea who had killed Tim, it was hard to figure out if the killer would realize I was helping Haley. Once the person discovered I was playing detective, I would probably be a target too.
I hung up the phone.
Courtney glanced over at me. “How did it go?”
“She’s upset and that’s understandable. I don’t think I would be as coherent as her if my husband had been murdered. She still thinks someone wants to kill her. Now I have to find out who. It’s like there’s a ticking clock. Her life may depend on it.”
“That’s a lot of pressure,” Courtney said.
I blew the hair out of my eyes. “You’re telling me. So now I have Anthony at the top of the suspect list. I have to find out more about him. Where was he on the night of the murder?”
“Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out. I have faith in you.” Courtney pulled up to my building. “I would come in and hang out but I have to get to work.”
I hoped she wasn’t leaving because she was afraid to be around me now. I wouldn’t blame her at all if that was the case.
I opened the door and jumped out. “That’s okay, I have a lot of research to do anyway.”
She waved. “Good luck. Let me know what you find out.”
“Call me if you have any other news.” I closed the door and stepped back from the car.
I waved and then walked into my apartment building. Of course Nosy Perkins was watching for me.
“I saw that man again today.”
I paused at my front door. “He was here at my place?”
She nodded. “Yes. He must really want to see you.”
“What does he look like again?”
She waved her hand. “I don’t know. He’s tall with dark hair. Maybe I should have taken a picture.”
Her description matched that of the man I’d seen around town and at the restaurant. Who was this man and why was he stalking me?
“Thanks, Mrs. Perkins.” I opened my door.
Now I was not only putting Courtney in danger, but my neighbors too. Maybe I should move.
“You’re lucky you have me watching out for you.” Mrs. Perkins wiggled her index finger in my direction.
Of course she was right. I should bring her a fruit basket as a thank you.
Once inside my place, I picked up the phone and dialed Marc. I was all out of ideas. Maybe he’d found out something about the letter and forgotten to call me.
“I’ve been thinking about you,” he said when he answered.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Good things, I hope.”
“Of course. How about dinner tonight?”
I agreed because there were a lot of questions I wanted to ask him. Okay, that wasn’t the only reason I agreed. I enjoyed spending time with Marc.
“Did you find out anything about the letter?” I asked.
“I’m afraid not yet. Did you get another one?”
I wouldn’t worry him and tell him that it had been worse than a letter.
“No new letters.” That wasn’t a lie.
“Good. You’ll tell me if you do get any more, right?” He sounded suspicious.
“Absolutely. I’ll see you tonight,” I said and then hung up.
***
I’d planned on doing research before my date tonight, but instead I’d fallen asleep and only woken forty-five minutes before Marc was set to arrive. I picked out a cobalt-blue and white floral dress and rushed to get ready. I’d just slipped into my shoes when the doorbell rang. For a second, I thought about the man Mrs. Perkins had said was coming around. It could be him standing on the other side of the door right now.
Before I opened the door, I called out, “Who is it?”
“Police,” Marc said.
I released a deep breath and I opened the door.
“You shouldn’t open the door without asking for a name.” The corner of his mouth tipped up into a lopsided smile.
“You’re right. Someone could have disguised his voice to sound just like yours.” I winked.
He waved his finger. “Now you’re catching on.”
Marc and I stepped out into the warm night air, surrounded by the city’s architecture of old buildings and iron balconies. The evening’s backdrop consisted of a pale crescent moon and a spattering of stars peeking out from behind the collection of gray clouds. The hint of rain lingered on the air.
“Where are we going?” I asked.
He placed his hand on the small of my back and guided me toward his car. “I know this great place across town. I hope that will be okay.”
“I’m sure I will love it,” I said.
Marc opened the car door and I slipped in. He hurried over to the driver’s side and climbed behind the wheel. He pulled out into traffic. As he drove, I studied his profile. He was handsome, from his perfectly formed nose and lips to his high cheekbones.
“When were you going to tell me that you’re looking into the murder of Timothy Swanson?” Marc stared at the road ahead.
“When you asked,” I said with a smile.
“I set myself up for that question,” he said.
“Yes, you did.”
Marc and I headed east, but I still didn’t know where he was taking me.
“Can you at least tell me what kind of food?” I asked.
He chuckled. “You’re really not much for surprises, are you?”
“No, not really.” I laughed.
I tried to sound casual, but honestly I was terrible with surprises. We made a couple turns, but I still couldn’t guess where we were going.
He glanced at me. “Okay, I guess I’ve tortured you enough. There’s a great Cajun place just outside of town.”
My mouth dropped open. It couldn’t be the same place, right?
What were the odds of that? The closer we got though, the more I was sure where we were headed.
I frowned. “I think I know the place we’re going.”
He made the final turn that led to the Harbor Market restaurant. “Oh yeah?”
“I have to think you knew about this place and it’s not a coincidence,” I said.
He glanced at me. “What do you mean?”
I studied his face. “You really don’t know?”
He shook his head. “No, I don’t. Should I be worried?”
“This is where one of Tim Swanson’s ex-employees works.”
Marc pulled into the gravel parking lot. It seemed as if I had just been here minutes ago. The space was full of cars. I wondered if Anthony was working tonight.
“And you know this how?” His eyebrow rose.
My face probably turned red. “Haley Swanson told me.”
He pulled into a spot, turned off the ignition and then said, “Did you talk to this man?”
I brushed invisible lint off my pants. “Courtney and I were hungry.”
He tried to bite back a smile. “Should we not go in here?”
“Actually, I’d like a chance to talk with him again.”
“I bet you would.” Marc opened the car door and came over to my side of the car.
When I stepped out, I looked to my left. The man I’d seen before was sitting behind the wheel of a silver car. It wasn’t the car I’d seen the woman in. His stare was focused on me like a laser. Was this his hangout? Or had he followed us here?
I stepped around the back of Marc’s car and into the parking lot. Panic raced through me. I made eye contact with the man. Just at the moment I was ready to call out to Marc, the man revved his engine and punched the gas. Marc grabbed me and pulled me toward him. We fell to the ground behind his car. Within a second, he’d pulled out his gun. No shots were fired as the car took off around the corner of the building. Marc peeked out over the top of his car.
“Can you call for backup?” Adrenaline filled his words.
I nodded, but was still too stunned to talk. As I poked my head up and watched Marc run around the side of the building, I pulled out my phone and dialed Courtney’s number. She didn’t answer, so I clicked off the phone and waited. My whole body was still shaking. Had that man really just tried to kill me? I didn’t even know him. I didn’t know what to do. A few customers were peeking out the restaurant’s windows, but were too afraid to come outside. They must have seen what happened. I leaned against the car in shock, trying to catch my breath.
Soon the police descended on the restaurant’s parking lot. Marc came back from around the corner. But the man wasn’t with him. I was just relieved that Marc had returned.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” I said when he came near.
He secured his gun back in its holster. “Do you know who that was?”
I brushed the hair out of my eyes. “No, but I’ve seen him before. I think it might be the man who left the letter.”
Marc nodded. “I thought so.”
I wasn’t sure why he said that, but I didn’t like the sound of it.
While Marc handled the crime scene with other officers, I talked with a detective. I had hoped to ask if he had information about the Tim Swanson case, but he never gave me a chance to ask. Now it looked as if I might be a target of this killer too.
“So much for that great Cajun food,” the detective said with a smile.
Marc walked back to where I stood. “How about I take you home?”
I walked toward his car. “That would be great. I can fix you a sandwich if you like peanut butter.”
He opened the door for me. “I love peanut butter.”
Too bad I hadn’t gotten a chance to speak with Anthony Knight again. I wondered if he had seen the man who’d tried to run over me. Was Anthony even at work tonight?
Chapter 14
The next day, I set up a meeting with Haley at the coffee shop down the street. After dressing in my black skirt and gray blouse with black heels, I hurried out the door. I left a batch of cookies at Mrs. Perkins’ door. There was no need to wake her so early. Okay, to be honest I didn’t want to answer her questions.
As I rushed toward the café, I hoped that Haley had new information for me. I was kind of at a stalling point. I needed something to push me in the right direction.
When I reached the café, I stepped through the door and looked around. For a moment, I worried that Haley wasn’t going to show up, but then I spotted her sitting in the corner of the room. Our eyes met. She waved me over. I stopped at the counter and placed an order for a double latte and then walked over to the table where Haley sat.
I pulled out the chair and sat down. “Thanks for meeting me.”
Haley finished taking a sip from her cup. “No, thank you. I can’t tell you how much you’ve helped me over the past few days.”
The barista called my name and I hopped up to grab my coffee. Once back at the table, I said, “I hope you have new information for me.”
Haley traced the rim of her cup with her index finger and shrugged. “Not much. I just keep playing over the details in my mind. Who would do this? Why? Am I next?”
“Please don�
�t think negative thoughts.” It was easy for me to say. I wasn’t the one who had lost her husband and potentially had someone trying to kill her.
She met my gaze. “There was one thing that I forgot to tell you about. Anthony Knight was into voodoo.”
“Do you believe in that?” I asked.
“I didn’t before, but now I guess I could believe anything.”
I took a sip of coffee. “I guess that’s understandable.”
“I just think Anthony got really mad at Tim.”
“So much so that he wanted to hurt him?” I asked.
“I didn’t think so at first, but now I wonder.”
“I’ll have to find out more about Anthony,” I said.
She waved her hand. “Good luck with that. He’s so aloof. I don’t know why Tim hired him in the first place.”
“So do you really think that he would do anything to Tim?”
Haley watched a man walk past. She seemed even antsier than before. “I think so, yes. I just don’t know what he did.”
“I have a cousin who deals with this stuff. I can ask her opinion.”
When Haley looked at me, I noticed the dark circles under her eyes. “That would be nice.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
“Are you sure you’re okay? Is there anything else I can do for you?” I asked.
She took another drink. “No, just keep doing what you’ve been doing for me.”
“I’ll try my best,” I said.
She finished off the last of her coffee. “There was one other thing that I didn’t mention to you.”
I set my cup down. “What’s that?”
She picked at the rim of her cup. “I didn’t tell you about the money.”
“What money?” I asked.
She looked around the café again. “Tim and his sister have a trust fund. Their parents had a large sum of money when they died. They left it in a trust fund for their children.”
I wasn’t sure if I should ask what this sum was, so I decided against it. Knowing that they had a trust fund was all I needed for now.
“As a matter of fact, his sister thought that someone was trying to kill her.”
